One of the surprises of the January transfer was how little movement there was heading out of Ibrox. No fringe players or those whose contracts are set to expire left with just a few deals for the individuals who are too good for the B side but not good enough for the first team.
Two players who come under a third category are Leon King and Alex Lowry. Both teenagers have enormous potential and have shown glimpses of what they are capable of, equally though, they still have a long way to go and have more established players in front of them in Michael Beale’s starting XI.
Centre-half cover always meant that King was unlikely to leave, however, writing for Football Insider, transfer correspondent Fraser Fletcher has revealed that a bud was made for the young defender with Lowry attracting interest from at home and abroad:
”Rangers rejected last-gasp loan bids for youngsters Alex Lowry and Leon King last month.
“Both players are in need of more game time but temporary moves away from Ibrox failed to materialise in the final throes of the January window.
”Hibernian made an offer for King, 19, but saw their approach knocked back immediately by Rangers.”
As for Lowry, Fletcher claimed:
“Dutch side FC Twente and Kilmarnock were interested but a deal could not be struck before the deadline on 31 January.”
Lowry really could have done with the minutes because, if weekend reports are true, the playmaker might not be playing again for the foreseeable future after his third injury of the season. Every time he has got himself fit this year, something else has happened.
It’s been a hugely frustrating campaign for a player who would have played in both managers had he been in better physical condition. Yes, he has had bad luck but, perhaps, a wasted year might remind him that he will only get out of a short career what he puts into it.